Assistant Director TUMRA Program Strategy

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is seeking an experienced strategic policy and government engagement leader to shape the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) program. You will work across Commonwealth and state agencies, Traditional Owners and partners to develop policy, investment pathways and operating models.

You’ll lead a culturally inclusive team, prepare Cabinet‑level advice, and drive whole‑of‑government engagement and Sea Country management reform.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering strategic policy and government engagement across multiple agencies.
• Understanding of First Nations Sea Country frameworks and governance.
• Ability to produce high‑quality briefing papers for Cabinet, Budget and policy proposals.
• Proven leadership of a culturally inclusive, high‑performing team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality strategic policy and program advice on the TUMRA program's direction.
• Lead development of government decision‑making products and investment briefs.
• Coordinate whole‑of‑government engagement and strategic partnerships for Sea Country management.
• Plan and deliver priority initiatives, governance improvements and program reform.
• Consult, negotiate and build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and representatives.
• Support policy, program and management solutions for Reef protection and Traditional Owner aspirations.
• Provide leadership within the TUMRA Section and participate in cross‑agency priorities.

Skills

Cultural governance

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic leadership

Written communication

Cross-agency collaboration

Job description

Lead strategic policy and government engagement to shape the future of Traditional Owner-led Sea Country management on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ad Copy

We are seeking an experienced strategic policy and program leader to help shape the future direction of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) program.

Working across Commonwealth and state government agencies, central agencies and Traditional Owner partners, you will lead strategic policy development, government engagement and planning for the program’s future operating model and long‑term investment pathway. You will prepare high-quality advice and decision‑making products to support Cabinet, Budget and New Policy Proposal processes and broader program reform.

As Assistant Director, you will provide strategic leadership to a culturally inclusive and high‑performing team. You will build strong, sustainable partnerships and support Sea Country management arrangements that reflect Traditional Owner aspirations, self‑determination, cultural authority and cultural heritage protection.

This position is an identified position and is one in which the duties involve extensive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Traditional Owners, Indigenous communities or their representative.

This position is non‑ongoing, full‑time to 29 January 2028

What you'll do

• Provide high-quality strategic policy and program advice to the Director, Executive and senior stakeholders on the future direction of the TUMRA program, including; emerging risks, opportunities, policy settings, investment needs and alignment with broader Reef, First Nations, Native Title and Sea Country priorities.
• Lead and support the development of government decision‑making products, including briefs, submissions, Cabinet and Budget materials, New Policy Proposal inputs, policy options, reports and other written advice to support future investment and reform of the TUMRA program.
• Work across Commonwealth and state government agencies, Traditional Owner partners and other stakeholders to support whole‑of‑government engagement, policy coordination and strategic partnerships relevant to Traditional Owner‑led Sea Country management and Marine Park management.
• Develop and deliver priority strategic initiatives for the TUMRA Section, including annual planning, risk management, governance improvements, program reform activities, implementation planning and monitoring of key deliverables.
• Liaise, consult and negotiate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including Traditional Owner groups, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, Native Title Representative Bodies, Land Councils, delivery partners and government agencies on matters relevant to TUMRAs and Sea Country management.
• Support the design and delivery of policy, program and management solutions that strengthen the protection and conservation of the Reef while supporting Traditional Owner aspirations, cultural authority, self‑determination and cultural heritage protection.
• Provide leadership and direction within the TUMRA Section, supporting a culturally safe, collaborative and high‑performing team environment, and contributing to section priorities, cross‑agency work and emerging issues as part of the broader leadership team.

What you'll bring

• You understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ spiritual, cultural and customary connection to Land and Sea Country, and can clearly articulate and apply principles of Cultural Authority, Traditional Lore, cultural governance and customs for managing Country.
• You understand the role of government in improving outcomes for First Nations peoples, including through Closing the Gap, broader First Nations policy reform, Native Title, Indigenous Protected Areas and Sea Country management frameworks.
• You have strong strategic policy capability and can work across government to support the future direction of the TUMRA program, including contributing to Cabinet, Budget and New Policy Proposal processes.
• You can develop high-quality strategic advice, briefing materials, policy options and decision‑making products that support government consideration of complex First Nations, Reef, Native Title and Sea Country matters.
• You are strategic, resourceful and outcomes‑focused. You can motivate and inspire others, work with limited direction, exercise sound judgement and apply logic, discretion and cultural awareness to complex and sensitive issues.
• You have exceptional written communication skills, well‑developed analytical skills, strong attention to detail and routinely complete tasks on time and to a high standard, including under pressure and in time‑sensitive government processes.
• You will represent the Reef Authority in internal and external forums, including with Commonwealth and state agencies, Traditional Owner partners, First Nations organisations and other stakeholders, and culturally negotiate sensitively on a range of complex matters.
• You are a natural problem solver with strong people, program, project, risk, financial and contract management skills, and are known for working collaboratively to deliver practical outcomes in complex operating environments.
• You will support strategic partnerships and whole‑of‑government engagement to strengthen the long‑term sustainability, investment pathway and future operating model of the TUMRA program.
• You will be willing to travel frequently, often to remote locations. The nature of the work will require the incumbent to travel and work outside core hours,

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose‑driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.